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Vision screening in preschoolers: the New South Wales Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening program
Stephanie J Blows1, Elisabeth P Murphy2, Frank J Martin3
1Child and Family Health, NSW Kids and Families, Sydney, NSW, Australia. lmurp@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.
Insights
The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program in NSW successfully screened 72.1% of eligible 4-year-olds. This universal vision screening identified and treated many children with previously undetected serious vision disorders.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Early detection of vision disorders in children is crucial for preventing long-term visual impairment.
- The New South Wales Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program offers universal vision screening to 4-year-olds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the screening and diagnostic outcomes of the StEPS program in New South Wales.
- To assess the effectiveness of a state-funded, universal vision screening program for preschoolers.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional evaluation of the StEPS program was conducted.
- Data were collected on screening participation, referral rates, and the proportion of children requiring intervention.
- The study period was from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011.
Main Results:
- 88.0% of eligible 4-year-olds were offered screening, with 72.1% participating.
- 5.9% of screened children were referred for routine assessment, and 2.2% for high-priority assessment.
- High rates of treatment or review were observed for referred children (90.4% routine, 97.5% high-priority).
Conclusions:
- The StEPS program demonstrates a high screening participation rate.
- The program effectively diagnoses and facilitates treatment for previously undetected serious vision disorders in children.
- Early intervention through screening can prevent vision loss that might otherwise be diagnosed too late.
Objective:
To evaluate screening and diagnostic outcomes of the New South Wales Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program, a state-funded, universal vision screening program for 4-year-old children.
Design, Setting And Participants:
A cross-sectional evaluation of the StEPS program, in which eligible 4-year-old children were offered a vision screen in local health districts in NSW, between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011.
Main Outcome Measures:
Number and proportion of eligible children who were offered screening; accepted screening; were screened and scored a pass or were referred (routinely or urgently) for further vision assessment; and were referred for further assessment and required intervention.
Results:
Of 91 324 eligible 4-year-olds in NSW, 80 328 (88.0%) were offered screening, and 65 834 (72.1% of the eligible population) were screened. Of the children who were screened, 3867 (5.9%) scored less than 6/9-2 but better than 6/18 in one or both eyes and were referred to their general practitioner or eye health professional for further vision assessment. A further 1425 children (2.2%) scored 6/18 or less in one or both eyes and were referred for high-priority assessment. In the two local health districts with the most complete follow-up data, 704 of 779 children (90.4%) with routine referrals and 278 of 285 (97.5%) with high-priority referrals required treatment or review at a later date.
Conclusions:
The StEPS program has achieved a high screening participation rate in NSW. Many children have been diagnosed and received treatment for previously undetected serious vision disorders that may otherwise have been diagnosed too late for effective intervention.
